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Riverina MP says Narrandera GP Superclinic is funded, but can't rule out cuts in the future

Wed 9 Apr 2014, 6:55 AM AEST

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Michael McCormack says while funding for the Narrandera GP Superclinic is safe for now, he cannot rule out future cuts to the service.

file photo: AFP

The Member for Riverina says the government's decision to reduce funding for Labor's GP Superclinic program, will not impact local facilities.

Federal Health Minister, Peter Dutton, announced yesterday the government was suspending construction funding for three clinics.

Under the $650m scheme 60 clinics were funded around the country, including one at Narrandera, opening in 2011.

The Nationals' Michael McCormack says although he is critical of the scheme, the Narrandera facility has been a big success and it will not be affected by the funding cuts.

Look I've made enquires with the department, with the Minister's Health office and I'm told that everything there is fine ... I can't say for sure what there could be in any future budget.

Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack

"Look I've made enquires with the department, with the Minister's Health office and I'm told that everything there is fine and certainly it is providing a good service for the residents of Narrandera, but nationally there are a few problems with the GP Superclinics," he said.

"But look I'm happy to say that here, in the Riverina, the clinic is running well and that it's fully funded."

Mr McCormack is not ruling out cuts to the Narrandera clinic in future.

He says to get the economy back on track certain savings will have to be made.

"I can't say for sure what there could be in any future budget," Mr McCormack said.

"It is a difficult job because health is a budget area which is blowing out all the time.

"And with an ageing population, the pressing needs to get more and more funding particularly to rural and remote areas, we're doing the very best that we can to roll out those services which are so critically needed."

The Australian Medical Association has also criticised the clinics, saying the money could be better spent on the health system.